STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA APPEALING FOR PEACE AND SAFETY OF FILIPINOS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Diplomacy should always prioritize tact over aggression, and dialogue must take precedence over hostility. I stand with those who strongly advocate for restraint, open communication, and the de-escalation of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran.

Malayo man ang kaguluhang ito, hindi natin maiwasang mag-alala sa lumalalang sitwasyon lalo na't hindi na mabilang ang mga inosenteng sibilyang apektado, kabilang na ang ating mga kababayan na naninirahan at nagtatrabaho sa Gitnang Silangan.

While our government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, is closely monitoring the situation, I urge them to continually reassure our fellow citizens that we are prepared to provide all necessary assistance and protection.

My thoughts and prayers are with all civilians, especially our kababayans in Israel and Iran, who are caught in the crossfire.